Classic Stories for a Girl’s Heart

Classic Stories for a Girl's Heart: Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

These audio books will provide you and your daughters (or sons!) hours of entertainment!

I love these 3 stories - Little Women, The Secret Garden, & Anne of Green Gables - and the way that they are brought to life while staying true to the books. The drama is high quality with various voices and real-life background noise that makes you feel like you are really there. These CDs are a great way to introduce your children to classic books at an early age or enjoy them as family entertainment.

I highly recommend them to anyone with girls ages 5 and up.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Piggy Party by Beverly Lewis

Piggy Party by Beverly Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Piggy Party is yet another book in The Cul-De-Sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis. It's the 19th one to be exact!

I enjoyed this book about Groundhog Day and secrets and how it was easy for kids 5 to 10 years of age to relate to. There is humor, lovable characters, and biblical truth all in one easy-to-read book for kids. My kids - 3, 5, & 7 - enjoy having me read them aloud, but I think most 2nd to 3rd grade students could read them alone, too.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Carly Hunter is chosen to take the class guinea pig home for the weekend, just in time for Groundhog Day. Tired of winter, she decides to test Piggy's skill for weather-telling. Can Piggy guess the beginning of spring? Will he see his shadow? When the Cul-De-Sac kids hear of Carly's experiment, they join in--and bring their pets. Can trouble be far away?

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Related articles:

• The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• The Creepy Sleep-Over by Beverly Lewis (readornotread.blogspot.com)

The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Beverly Lewis has written a very creative series of books titled The Cul-De-Sac Kids which are great for elementary age kids to read alone or for parents to read to them and younger kids. My kids and I enjoy the fun characters who deal with everyday problems that children face in America. This group of first and third graders will not only entertain your children but teach them some biblical lessons along the way, too.

I really enjoyed this 18th book in the series because it was all about T.V. Turn-off week. It showed that while it may be hard, there are other things to do than just watch T.V. and that you can actually have fun not watching!

This book would be a great way to introduce or kick-off your own no T.V. week as a family. You will appreciate the multi-generational approach as depicted in this book.

For more great books by Beverly Lewis, be sure to check out this website…

Christy: Stage Fright, Goodbye Sweet Prince, Brotherly Love

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Stage Fright: As Christy's students are preparing for a school play, she reveals her dream to act on stage. Little does she know that Dr. MacNeill's aunt is the artistic director of the Knoxville Theater. Before long, just as Christy is about to debut on stage, several mysterious incidents threaten both her dreams and her pride.

Goodbye, Sweet Prince: The whip cracked and the stallion reared up in pain. Christy cried in horror, "I've got to find a way to get Prince away from here!" Prince, the mission's stallion, has a cruel new owner. Christy and her students are heartsick. They desperately want to help Prince. But how? Is there a way their magnificent horse can be reclaimed?

Brotherly Love: George, Christy's younger brother, is charming and kind. But is he also a thief? Everyone is delighted when George visits Christy at the Cutter Gap Mission. But the delight ends when George reveals what he has been expelled from school for stealing. Can Christy summon the love and faith to help her brother do the right thing?

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To listen to an excerpt of this book, click here!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Princess Club, Family Secrets, Mountain Madness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Princess Club: When Ruby Mae, Bessie, and Clara discover gold in Dead Man's Creek, they form an exclusive group, "The Princess Club." Christy watches in dismay as Cutter Gap is torn apart by greed and envy. Can she find a way to heal the bitter divisions caused by a handful of gold?

Family Secrets: Bob Allen and many of the residents of Cutter Gap are upset that a black family has moved into the Cove. When hostile shooting and a series of threatening incidents befall the newly arrived family, the Washingtons, Christy steps in to help. But it's a clue in the Washington's family Bible that may hold the key to real peace and acceptance.

Mountain Madness: When Christy travels alone to a nearby mountain, she vows to discover the truth behind the terrifying legend of a strange mountain creature. But what she finds seems worse than anything she could ever have imagined!

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To listen to a excerpts of this audio book click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: Midnight Rescue, The Proposal, Christy’s Choice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Midnight Rescue: Christy Huddleston, the new school teacher in Cutter Gap, thought her biggest problem was going to be choosing between the charming country doctor, Neil MacNeill, and the handsome minister, David Grantland. But Christy has more serious matters to deal with when her student Ruby Mae Morrison and the mission's runaway black stallion vanish in a furious storm. As Christy desperately searches for Ruby Mae in the cold, blinding rain, she runs headlong into three angry moonshiners bent on revenge against anyone who might try to stop their illegal activities. Can Christy survive this most terrifying test of her faith and courage?

The Proposal: Christy should be thrilled when David, the handsome minister, proposes marriage. So why do thoughts of Dr. MacNeill keep popping into her head? Before she can answer David, Christy is blinded in a terrible riding accident and all her dreams are threatened.

Christy's Choice: Christy screamed as the train broke from the track and plunged down the side of the mountain. When Christy is offered a chance to teach in her hometown, she faces a difficult decision. Will her train ride back to Cutter Gap be a journey home or a last farewell? In a moment of terror and danger, Christy must decide where her future lies.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Bridge to Cutter Gap, Silent Superstitions, The Angry Intruder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Bridge to Cutter Gap: Christy Huddleston's dream is to teach poor mountain children. Join Christy as she crosses from the familiar world of parties and pretty things to the different world of Cutter Gap, located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. There she meets the doctor who needs her help to save a life and the handsome minister who helps her face the challenges of teaching and loving the mountain people.

Silent Superstitions: Strange things are happening in Cutter Gap and everybody is convinced that Christy is cursed. After all, who can explain Bob Allens' mysterious accident on his way to bring Christy to Cutter Gap? Or the lightning strike that sent a tree through the school window? Will fear and superstition triumph? Will Christy be driven out of Cutter Gap forever? Or will Christy overcome and win the hearts of the mountain people?

The Angry Intruder: Headstrong and independent, Christy is determined to change the lives of the children in Cutter Gap. Yet it seems that anything new and strange poses a threat to the mountain people, who are proud of their way of life. Evidently, Christy has angered someone enough to cause a string of mysterious pranks. The handsome minister fears that the pranks will turn dangerous. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize how right his fears are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Catherine Marshall whisks you back in time to a secluded place in the Smokey Mountains where you see life through the eyes of Christy. She is a spunky and courageous young teacher who wants her life to be about more than just who she knows and what parties she attends. As you find yourself walking the rugged hills and viewing the majestic sights in your own imagination, you will also find yourself learning wholesome life lessons.

The characters come to life through this audio version of the book and you finish this story feeling like you have new friends. Kellie Martin - who played Christy on the CBS dramatized version of this book - reads the book with passion and depth.

I not only enjoyed hearing the whole and original version of Christy, but was captivated by the tale. I couldn't wait to get up and get to work around the house so that I could continue listening to this amazing journey of Christy and the many other people woven into her story. I would highly recommend this book for older children to adults. It would make a great resource to entertain the family on a long road trip or over a longer period of time in commuting to school or around town.

There were parts that may be slightly scary - such as shootings, burials, and some of the folklore - but overall I think that it would still be appropriate for the average person, child, or family.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christy Huddleston left home at 19 to teach school in the Smokey Mountains. There she came to know and love the wild mountain people with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, their yearning for beauty and truth. Christy found her faith severely challenged in these primitive surroundings; and, confronted with two young men of unique strength and needs, she found her own growing yearnings challenged by love.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

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This book is awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Creepy Sleep-Over by Beverly Lewis

The Creepy Sleep-Over by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is the 17th book in the Cul-De-Sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis about a group of kids who have there own little club. They are great to read to your kids or to have younger kids (8 to 9 year old's) read them alone. I appreciate how they are biblically based and teach a lesson while they entertain. They are on a level that are extremely easy for kids to relate to as well.

The Creepy Sleep-Over is one in this series that I didn't finish. It was too scary to read to my 7, 5, & 3 year old. It kept talking about things being "creepy", "spooky", and "haunted". While the story does end well with a lesson about fear, it's still a bit too much for younger kids since it gets there imagination going in directions it doesn't need to.

The Boxcar Children Collection

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

Boxcar Children Collection by Gertrude Chandler Warner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

What family doesn't like wholesome entertainment that everyone can enjoy? Boxcar Children Collection is a great collection of 4 books that will entertain your family - young and old - on your next trip. From 6-year-old Benny to 14-year-old Henry with Jessie and Violet in between these stories are fun for young children and even adults.

The simple mysteries are intriguing for young minds and while not biblical in any way, they do have wholesome lessons to be learned. The only downside is that 2 of the 4 stories in this set talk about ghosts. However, the characters are quick to acknowledge that ghosts are not real. If it hadn't been for the mention of ghosts I would have given these books 4 stars.

I enjoyed listening to them and so did all 3 of my kids - ages 3,5, & 6 - and I'm sure you will, too!

BOOK OVERVIEW: Includes these titles: The Chocolate Sundae Mystery, The Mystery on Blizzard Mountain, The Ghost Ship Mystery and The Mystery of the Spider's Clue. 

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

Comment on any of my RESOURCES FOR THE ROAD posts up to 1 comment per post to be entered into the drawing for this wonderful prize pack!  You can also get 2 extra entries for each way you follow my blog – but please tell me how in your comment!

Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins & Chris Fabry

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you are headed out on a road trip with your older children or younger teenagers then you won't want to forget to pack this audio book!

Red Rock Mysteries had me on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder as I listened to it. Jenkins and Fabry have written an action packed mystery that is full of intrigue, fun, and great lessons. I enjoyed both the plots and characters alike. This set is two books in one and both stories are long enough to make a good mystery, but short enough to finish on a road trip.

This audio book is listed for children, but it could be scary for kids under 10 since some of the scenes are a little intense. (Car chase, intruder in the cabin...etc...) However, for a family with older children (or while younger ones are distracted) this makes a great family listen. It's a great way to create family memories while listening to good, clean, and wholesome entertainment.

BOOK OVERVIEW: Haunted Waters (Book 1): A crazy, wild drive from a deserted mining town makes it clear that someoneís after Bryce and Ashley Timberline. Will they survive long enough to find out who it is? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves on a nonstop search for truth. Stolen Secrets (Book 2): Bryce and Ashley Timberline wonder what their stepdad is hiding. As they discover more about his past, the twins fear all is not as it seems.What isnít their stepdad telling them? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves searching for truth without stopping.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

I am giving away this amazing prize pack:

All you have to do is comment on any Resources For The Road Post (1 per post) and also 2 extra entries for each way you follow my blog!

And TODAY I am offering yet another way to get 5 entries into this giveaway….follow THE BOOK ADDICTS for 5 extra entries!

 

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I can't even begin to understand what it must have been like to be a young teen girl during the Civil War. The fear, the challenge, the work, the hope...it's a time period that seems longer ago than it really was.

In this book - My Vicksburg - Ann Rinaldi creates a fictional story based on history that will keep you glued to the radio (or MP3 player) until the last CD is over. It's fascinating to hear history in a personal view rather than just text book information.

This book is listed as Juvenile fiction, yet I would recommend it for older children, say ages 10 and up. Unfortunately there are 2 or 3 times where I noticed a bit of language that I did not appreciate.

However, as a whole, this audio book is a good way to entertain the family on a road trip. The narration is enjoyable as she brings depth to the characters with various voices. It's a story that will hold the attention of the whole family and since it's only 4 CDs long, it's the perfect length for any road trip.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Claire Louise Corbett and her Confederate family flee their home as Union soldiers shell their town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. They venture out from the safety of a cave only three times a day, when the Union army takes their meals at eight in the morning, noon, and eight at night. Although many of the townspeople suffer from a lack of food, the Corbetts receive extra rations from Claire Louise's brother, Landon, a doctor with the Union army. When Claire Louise discovers her brother tending to a Confederate soldier who is responsible for Robert E. Lee's "lost order" (causing the South to lose the Battle of Antietam), she is forced to make a difficult choice between family and friends. Award-winning historical novelist Ann Rinaldi paints a story of family, courage and secrets during the 47-day siege of Vicksburg, a battle that has sometimes been ignored in history because it ended the same day as the Battle of Gettysburg.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

The Keystone Stable Series by Marsha Hubler

  Whispering Hope by Marsha Hubler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Whispering Hope is the 7th book in the Keystone Stable series by Marsha Hubler and it's a book of hope for young teen girls. I liked the wholesome story and appreciated the relevant plot for teens to be reading. The characters seemed real and easy to connect with while being part of a fictional story that shares biblical truth. Whether or not your older child or younger teen likes horses or not, I think they will enjoy this series of 14-year-old Skye and in this book, the story of Wanda and a horse named Rebel who both need to see the love of others.

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The Long Ride Home by Marsha Hubler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Marsha Hubler writes another great book in the Keystone Stable series with this 8th book - The Long Ride Home. Once again it's a wholesome story for young teens or older elementary ages kids and especially good for those who love horses or those who are foster kids.

The books in this series are easy to read and the storyline gets you from the beginning. I appreciate the spiritual challenge that is held in this one - and in the others, as well.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zonderkids.

Take It From The Top by AIO Team

Take it from the Top by AIO Team

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I grew up on Adventures In Odyssey and while it's changed for the past 20 some years, it still remains as a wonderful source of entertainment and learning for kids...and some not so kids anymore!

This album is full of great stories both imaginary and based on history and has some new characters with some spanish speaking background that add a new and more varied dynamic to the program. Of course, there are still your loveable old pals such as Connie, Eugene, and Wooten, and of course the one and only - Whit.

Some of the themes addressed in this album are:

• Our possessions
• Procrastination
• Responsibility
• Pride
• Family
• Perseverance

This is a great resource for families of all ages. I recommend this album to kids ages 4 and up. This one does not have any episodes that would be deemed "scary" to young children.

OVERVIEW:

It’s back to the basics in Take It from the Top, the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing. Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – For Children

 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This, the child's version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is an excellent way to introduce your children to the classic books by C.S. Lewis. It covers the basic points of the original book in a much shorter version but with the same great lessons. It is in storybook format with beautiful, life-like illustrations.

I really liked this book, and surprisingly, so did my 6yo and 4yo daughters. I thought they would be afraid of the pictures of the White Witch, but they were not and they enjoyed the story.

I do recommend discernment in that it might be appropriate for some 4yo and not for others. Also, I skipped some of the story because I thought it would be too scary or too hard for them to grasp. So while I would highly recommend this book to 6-year-olds and up, this is a book that the parent should read before reading to their child.

I give this book a 4 only because it may not be good for every child. However, the content is, of course, excellent!

Tree House Trouble by Beverly Lewis

Tree House Trouble by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tree House Trouble is the 16th book in the Cul-de-sac Kids series about 9 kids who stick together no matter what. In this book their ability to stick together is tested when Abby and Stacy want to start their own club in their very own tree house.

Beverly Lewis gives us a story that will have your kids laughing and relating to the the fictional characters in real life situations. The lesson of this book is sharing even when you don't want to share.

This book is a great read-aloud book for 4 to 8-year-olds and one for 7 to 10-year-olds to read alone.

Backyard Bandit Mystery by Beverly Lewis

Backyard Bandit Mystery by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Cul-De-Sac kids have a yard sale but some things begin to disappear! Is someone stealing from the club? And what will Stacy do about the stuffed angel that Abby gave her?

This is an easy read book to read aloud to younger children ages 4 to 7 and a good book for ages 8 and up to read alone. The characters, 9 kids who live on a cul-de-sac, learn about friendship and what God wants them to do all the while they have a new adventure.

I enjoy the silly, yet true stories, that are easy for kids to relate to and that teach while entertaining. At first glance I thought this book might be too scary for my 4 and 6 year-olds, but both it was not and they both and enjoyed it.

ISBN:1-55661-986-3
Details: Softcover / 75 pages / Book 15 in series
Publisher: Bethany House

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